Healthcare" has been removed from the list of services specifically mentioned in the draft consumer protection bill, in what is seen as a bid to assuage the medical fraternity which has expressed apprehensions over the law being used adversely against it. Officials, however, said the change will not prevent aggrieved persons from approaching consumer forums for medical negligence or deficiencies in health services and that the deletion was in keeping with the concerns expressed by doctors and medical associations.
Sources said the Cabinet on Monday approved the "technical amendment" in the proposed law to ensure the bill is passed smoothly in the Upper House where it was stalled during the first Modi government and finally lapsed. Vocal lobbies had opposed the passage of the bill alleging applicability of the law to healthcare would put doctors at a disadvantage and the fear of…
